Google Cloud and Kuehne+Nagel Partner on SAF Deal to Cut Air Freight Emissions
Google Cloud and Kuehne+Nagel have entered into a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) agreement aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of air freight shipments, marking a further step in both companies’ efforts to decarbonise global logistics operations.
Under the agreement, Kuehne+Nagel will procure the equivalent of up to 5.2 million litres of sustainable aviation fuel during 2026 to support a key portion of Google Cloud’s infrastructure shipments. The initiative is expected to reduce associated emissions by up to 12,600 tonnes of CO₂e and will serve as a pilot programme for potential future collaboration between the two companies.
Sustainable aviation fuel is widely regarded as one of the most important tools available to the aviation industry for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Produced from renewable feedstocks such as used cooking oil, tallow and other waste-derived materials, SAF can lower lifecycle emissions from air transport by around 80% compared with conventional fossil-based jet fuel.
The agreement forms part of Google Cloud’s broader strategy to reduce emissions across its logistics and supply chain operations. The company said the partnership will help accelerate the adoption of lower-carbon transport solutions while supporting its wider sustainability objectives.
Kuehne+Nagel’s SAF certification programme enables customers to reduce Scope 3 emissions linked to air freight by investing in sustainable aviation fuel through a verified and globally accessible framework. The company said the programme is designed to simplify participation while supporting the expansion of global SAF demand, a critical factor in increasing production capacity and lowering costs across the sector.
Brian Stewart, Senior Director of Logistics at Google Cloud, said the agreement builds on the company’s ongoing efforts to reduce emissions throughout its logistics value chain. He added that collaboration with Kuehne+Nagel would help advance the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel and support the transition towards lower-emission air freight operations.
Fabiano Piccinno, Global Head of Sustainability Air Logistics at Kuehne+Nagel, said the partnership demonstrates how major industry players can work together to drive practical and scalable sustainability initiatives. He noted that sustainability has become a core business priority and an increasingly important foundation for long-term commercial partnerships.
The deal reflects growing momentum among multinational companies seeking to reduce supply chain emissions as aviation remains one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise. By committing to SAF procurement, Google Cloud and Kuehne+Nagel aim to stimulate demand for sustainable fuels while contributing to the wider transition towards lower-carbon global freight transport.
